Review

After having spent a month with the Tribit Stormbox Flow portable speaker, I have grown to appreciate some of its key features – particularly the ease and comfortability to take it with me while traveling – which I will dive more into later. While the Tribit Stormbox Flow is one of several portable bluetooth speakers in my house, for $79.99, you can’t ask for a better listening experience.

As we approach the holiday season, it’s a great time to reflect on some of the best tech we’ve covered this year and share what might be worth watching for upcoming deals. We’ll cover microphones, headphones, earbuds, and some of my favorite mice. Hit the links and pick one up if you find any of my favorite gear of 2023 interesting. 

Today we are taking a closer look at Spigen’s latest affordable MagSafe charging stand. The new Spigen ArcField Dual debuted shortly before the launch of its epic iMac-style iPhone 15 MagSafe case as another piece of notable bang for your buck tech for folks not looking to spend over $100 or more for a desktop or nightstand charging station. Ready to support your StandBy habits and daily desktop charging needs, we have been putting the new ArcField Dual through its paces over the last couple weeks to see if it was actually worth spending the $40 on it or not. Head below for the latest entry in the Tested with 9to5Toys series to find out. 

The brand new Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD has arrived. After the launch of its first USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 T9 model in October, this time it is all about capacity over speed. Offering up a far more tame solution in terms of transfer rates, the T5 EVO Portable SSD has the “largest storage capacity of any Samsung portable SSD” and is being positioned as a replacement upgrade for folks still using more economic external HDDs, but the prices are going to have to come down before that becomes a reality for most users. We received an advance unit of the new Samsung T5 EVO Portable SSD ahead of today’s unveil to give it a run for its money – our hands-on impressions and all of the details are waiting down below.

After finishing a build in the NZXT H9 computer case at the beginning of 2023, I loved the look and convenience of dual-chamber designs. But the H9 is a massive case that takes up a lot of room on my desk. Enter the new NZXT H6 – a compact dual-chamber mid-tower with the conveniences of a place to tuck a PSU and cables, but it isn’t as large as the H9. And it has a handy design trick that makes it look even smaller when sitting at my desk. It might be the “just-right” case for my setup. Head below for the full video on the latest cases from NZXT.

After recently going hands-on with the brand’s gorgeous M3 MacBook-ready leather and wool felt magnetic sleeve as well as its luxurious leather backpacks, we thought it was time we gave the Harber London leather iPhone 15 sleeves a run for their money. Available in a range of styles and colors, Harber London has decided to side-step the usual case form factor altogether, instead offering up a series of premium leather sleeves for your latest Apple device to rest in. And as beautiful as they indeed are, the real question is whether or not that sleeve form factor is going to work for your needs anyway. Head below for our hands-on review of the new Harber London leather iPhone 15 sleeves. 

Last night, the LEGO Group invited me to come hang out at the flagship NYC retail store at Rockefeller Center. There was one main objective of the night, and that was to show off the shiny new Avengers Tower after it was revealed just earlier in the day. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the new set in person since we originally took a little wind out of LEGO’s sails by revealing it early, and now, I can finally report firsthand just how incredible of a model it is ahead of a full review.

Today, we are taking a closer look at the new CASETiFY Disney Villains iPhone 15 cases. The brand has quickly become one of the biggest out there, and its Co-Lab crossover collaborations with major IP, from Spider-Man and Evangelion to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and now Disney’s most wicked villains, is just one of the major reasons. The brand has been developing wonderful, if not a little bit pricey, iPhone, Samsung, and Google handset cases for years, but there’s something about its officially licensed editions that stand out from the crowd. Head below for some hands-on impressions of the new CASETiFY Disney Villains iPhone 15 cases. 

Today, we are taking a hands-on look at the new Journey NEXA MacBook sleeve with MagSafe charging. Just recently unveiled by the brand as the “world’s first 4-in-1” MacBook sleeve, it not only charges two devices at once, but it also houses your laptop and doubles as a MacBook sleeve. The question is, does anyone actually need this sort of thing? Well, the short answer is yes, some folks might. But you’ll want to read on to see if you’re one of them.

Today, we are taking a hands-on look at the new Peak Design Everyday fabric iPhone 15 cases. The brand is back again this year with an updated design of its Everyday case, this time with some new color options in the form of a nice Midnight Blue, a Sun yellow, and Redwood brown treatment. The MagSafe case also features a bonus SlimLink connector to integrate with the rest of the brand’s accessories alongside metal buttons, but you’ll most definitely want to head below for more details on those before dropping any cash down. Our hands-on review of the new Peak Design Everyday fabric iPhone 15 case awaits after the jump.

Recently, SteelSeries released its new Alias and Alias pro microphones aimed at streamers. While other companies have been quicker to put audio products on the market, SteelSeries has seemed to take its time, analyze what’s available and its downfalls, and release a product that I’m really excited about. And as good as the microphones are, one of the most exciting features is SteelSeries Sonar. It’s a powerful program for streamers and gamers that addresses some issues I’ve personally faced in the past with setting up a stream. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details of these new mics and take a look at what Sonar has to offer.

Apple is fully embracing USB-C with just about all of its latest devices and accessories, and Anker’s new Prime 240W charger has been the perfect power station to ease the transition. With dynamic power allocation and a dedicated 140W USB-C port, this is perfect for the new M3 MacBooks, iPhone 15, and any other gear you can throw at it.

Today, we are heading out into the woods for our hands-on review of the new Alto wooden iPhone 15 cases. Complete with sustainably sourced natural wood treatments, customers can also make use of the brand’s unique laser-engraving technique to customize the wooden panel with one of the preset designs or one entirely unique to them by way of the online uploader tool. After adding some new wood types this year and landing in our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases, it’s time to serve up some hands-on impressions of the new Alto wooden iPhone 15 cases as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

Twelve South launched a new mount earlier in the month that looked to solve one of the biggest issues with having a collection of Apple Watch bands – the fact that you have to keep them organized. I’ve been testing out the new TimePorter Wall Mount and really have to hand it to Twelve South for finally making it easy to tidy up my wardrobe of Watch bands.

I have a new favorite iPhone 15 charger – at least when it comes to a portable solution. Anker’s new Nano Power Bank is as compact as they come, and now is even more versatile with the adoption of USB-C.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a robotic companion roaming the halls of my abode. But when I saw the new ECOVACS X2 Omni, I knew I had to try it out. After all, there are a lot of bells and whistles to catch your eye – specs like the an included auto-empty dock, 8000Pa suction, and one of the most advanced navigation systems around are hard to ignore.

I am not the biggest Mario fan, at least not historically. I’ve enjoyed all of the classics at this point, but if you asked me what my desert island Switch game would be, the iconic red and green plumbers wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of my list. But now after a weekend with Super Mario Wonder, that might just be changing.

The next-generation Samsung T9 Portable SSD was officially unleashed on the world at the beginning of the month. The previous-generation 1,050MB/s T7 and T7 Shield were among some of the most popular options among 9to5Toys readers, and Samsung has now updated the internals and specs to deliver its very first USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and (potentially) much faster speeds. The question is, how many users out there have the gear to actually take advantage of this tech at this point? Head below for some hands-on impressions of the new Samsung T9 Portable SSD as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series.

Not enough chargers these days have cords that give you a little extra slack away from the wall outlet. But Anker’s new Nano 67W Charging Station does, and that’s why it has earned itself a spot on my bedside table as the perfect nightstand charing solution.

We were lucky enough to go hands-on with the new PreSonus Eris Pro studio monitors over the last few weeks and we are ready to dish up our impressions. Much like the Studio and standard issue Eris lineup we featured at launch, the Eris Pro studio monitors are the flagship offering landing as part of the latest lineup of speakers from the brand. The short form version here is they are very good, should be a whole lot more expensive, and anyone looking to bring a new set of pro-grade speakers home will want to give them a closer look. All of the details are down below. 

Logitech’s new Wave Keys keyboard launches today. I’ve been using it over the past couple of weeks, really enjoying its ergonomic build and now you can bring it to your Mac workstation.

Earlier this summer, ZAGG launched its new Pro Stylus 2 for iPad. I’ve been using it for the past few months as my iPad Pro companion of choice, but today’s reveal from Apple with a new and more affordable Apple Pencil has me even more ready to share thoughts about how good the experience is.

Wanting to drive further into the competitive gaming market, today, Glorious is out with four new gaming mice. The Model O 2 and Model D 2 have been given the pro treatment in 1K versions as well as new 4/8K editions. Starting at $100, they don’t carry the “pro” price tag as mice from other brands but can they hold their own in the ring? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Nomad just launched a pair of new USB-C chargers – taking a far more slimmed-down approach than most of what you’ll find elsewhere on the market. I had the chance to put them to the test over a long weekend of travel, which has earned both of the 35W and 65W chargers the title of being my new favorite wall adapters out there.

Wireless gaming earbuds have been hit or miss for me. Really, it all comes down to comfort. I loved the Logitech G Fits but couldn’t use the HyperX MIX Buds for very long. But with ANC, huge battery life, and a comfortable fit, the Sony InZone Buds are my new top recommendation for wireless gaming earbuds. And it top it all off, they come in at just $200. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Over the past two days, we’ve been scouring the far reaches of Amazon and beyond in order to showcase all the best fall Prime Day 2023 deals. While you’ll still find a collection of discounts live until the shopping event closes its virtual doors later tonight, we’ve highlighted the top 10 Big Prime Deal Days price cuts still available. Skip reading through the pages of offers we’ve already covered and just check out the best of the best below.

We are now ready to take a look at the Caseology iPhone 15 cases that launched in mid September. The brand comes under the Spigen fold to deliver some affordable alternatives for Apple’s latest handsets. We have featured Caseology for years for that very reason and its latest collection continues that trend after landing in our roundup of the best iPhone 15 cases. Now after giving a few of the models a run for their money over the last week or so, some clear standouts have emerged and we are ready to weigh in as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

Late last month, Bowers & Wilkins revealed a new pair of on-ear headphones with the debut of the Px7 S2e. These debut as a more marginal improvement to the standard 2S pair from last year, all while offering some worthwhile improvements along the way. Now after a recent trip and some flight time, I think I’ve found the modern replacement to AirPods Max I’ve been searching for.

OtterBox just launched its new iPhone 15 cases like it does every year. But to pair with Apple’s latest, the company had a little something extra in store with the new watercolor-inspired series. I’ve been daily driving these new Figura iPhone 15 cases recently and have to say that these might just be some of OtterBox’s best.

It’s time go hands-on with SANDMARC’s beautiful titanium Apple Watch bands. After the release of its more affordable stainless steel variants and just before the launch of its amazing new iPhone 15 cases, SANDMARC unleashed a high-end take on the Apple Watch Ultra bracelet-style strap. And not to spoil this entire review, it’s absolutely gorgeous. Made from Grade 4 titanium and now joining its stainless steel models, head below for a closer look and some hands-on impressions of the SANDMARC Titanium Apple Watch Ultra Band – you’ll also find an exclusive discount. 

Spigen’s 2023 cover collection debuted shortly after the Apple handsets did, but the brand took everyone by surprise when it revived its C1 collection to deliver the epic new iMac iPhone 15 cases. Featuring a design directly inspired by Apple’s tear drop iMac circa 1998, it delivers a semi see-through approach and a heavy dose of nostalgia for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users. We have now had a chance top test it out hands-on wrapped around the iPhone 15 Pro and are ready to weigh in as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review below. 

After a thrilling sixth season, the Overwatch League comes to a close for 2023. Today, the action ends as the playoffs transition into the Grand Finals. Taking a physical stage here in Toronto, Canada, the Overwatch League 2023 playoffs have boiled down eight teams into an epic showdown between the Florida Mayhem and Houston Outlaws.

Today, we are taking a closer look at the Oakywood 2-in-1 Headphone Charging Stand. The brand is known for its use of natural materials mixed with robust metal accents, much like the MagSafe stand collection and desk shelf we reviewed previously, and the 2-in-1 Headphone Charging Stand lands on your work surface with much the same attention to detail. I have always been a fan of office and tech accessories with this sort of design approach and thought it was time to see if Oakywood’s 2-in-1 solution is worthy of carrying my headphones of choice. Head below for some hands-on impressions.

Following the wired MMX 100 and 150 gaming headsets we reviewed last year, Beyerdynamic is now out with its first wireless gaming offering – the MMX 200. Packing many of the features of the USB MMX 150, the 200 adds Bluetooth and cuts the cord for a more convenient gaming experience. At $250, though, it’s up against some stiff competition. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details. 

Amongst some of our favorite cases every year, Moment is back with its new iPhone 15 covers. Delivering some of the best iPhonegraphy cases on the market, the latest debuts continue to offer textured designs for added grip, four fun colors, and support for the next-generation T-Series lenses. There’s just one problem keeping these from being perfect…

It is now time to take a closer look at the MUJJO leather iPhone 15 cases. The brand sat somewhere at the top of the heat in the category last year and is once again in 2023. With Apple’s leather covers going the way of the Dodo this year, brands like MUJJO offer up some of the only ways to wrap your new device in a proper leather cover. The same collection we reviewed last year is making a return for iPhone 15 alongside a new burgundy colorway and the all-new Shield model that combines leather and recycled plastic for a more protective option in the lineup. Head below for our hands-on review of the new MUJJO leather iPhone 15 case as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys. 

iPhone 15 is now here, and shoppers looking to pair their new handset with a leather case are going to be out of luck – at least if they plan on bringing home an official one from Apple. But why would you want to anyway, when Nomad is back with another edition of its popular leather case. Retaining its title of being 9to5Toys’ favorite leather iPhone case, we break down the experience below the fold.

After going hands-on with the latest PRO Plus lineup earlier this year, the brand new Samsung PRO Ultimate microSD card lineup was unveiled late last month, and it’s now time to weigh in. The new lineup enters as the brand’s fastest consumer memory cards out there, giving the best options from other storage brands a run for their money at notable price tags. We have had a chance to test out the 256GB model along with the USB card reader for a couple of weeks, and now we are ready to dish up some impressions as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys review. 

Shiny new iPhone 15 units are slated to begin arriving next Friday, and even before then, iOS 17 is going to be landing as an update for existing handsets. Delivering a fun new smart display mode known as StandBy, the latest update means you’ll be searching for the perfect stand or dock to display your iPhone – and we just so happen to have a breakdown of the best StandBy MagSafe chargers for iPhone 15 below the fold.

When Razer reached out and said that they were releasing a new Viper, this wasn’t what I had in mind. Fans of the triple-headed snake brand have been begging for a Viper mini wireless for a long time at this point, and the Viper V2 Pro debuted in May of 2022. But instead of going small and light, today Razer is releasing the Viper V3 Hyperspeed. With a redesigned shell, up to 4000Hz wireless polling (with the Razer.com exclusive wireless dongle), weighing in at 82 grams thanks to its AA battery, and priced at $69.99, Razer is pushing that this is an upgrade for the pro and aspiring pro players. Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Twelve South today is launching its latest 3-in-1 charger, taking a more premium approach to MagSafe stands in the process. Meet the new Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe, the company’s first 15W MagSafe charger that arrives with some other tricks up its sleeve to deliver a compelling StandBy experience and all-around capable nightstand or desk charging setup that’s now available for pre-order.

Update: The new 2nd generation PreSonus Eris Studio monitors are now available on Amazon from $150. You’ll also find the entry-level Eris models (they ship in pairs) from $100.

The new lineup of PreSonus Eris speakers and studio monitors are being officially unveiled today. A long-time favorite around here, delivering some serious value for your money in both the casual and home studio spaces, the brand has now unleashed its latest offerings. The new entry-level Eris lineup arrives with a more focused selection of sizes and Bluetooth streaming alongside its latest-generation Eris Studio monitors and the pro-grade, multichannel and Atmos-ready Pro lineup. We have had a chance to give them a run for their more than reasonable price tags over the last few weeks, and you can get a closer look at everything down below. 

Earlier this summer, Denon launched some of its very first earbuds with the new PerL series. Pathing a way for itself in an already-crowded market, I’ve been using the new Denon PerL Pro for the past month and can certainly say that there’s enough here to stand out from the pack. The only problem is, all of the personalized listening and ANC tech will cost you a pretty penny at $349.

It’s time to take a closer look at the new Aer City MacBook Tote bag that launched for the first time a couple weeks ago. It came alongside the brand’s new Dopp Kit 3 and just after we reviewed its Travel Pack 3 as the latest addition to the brand’s City collection. Designed as an all-in-one universal tote bag, it cradles your MacBook and iPad alongside whatever else you might need to lug around or pick up while running errands. While I was a big fan of its Day Sling 3 – it quickly landed in our roundup of the best sling packs out there – it’s time to put the new City MacBook Tote bag through its paces for review as part of the latest Tested with 9to5Toys feature. 

After years of consistently being one of the top mice that pros and hardcore gamers recommend, Logitech has finally released the G Pro X Superlight 2. While, visually, it’s nearly identical to the first generation, there are plenty of upgrades under the hood. Is it worth an upgrade for the $160 price point? Be sure to hit the video below to see all of the details.

Wrapping up our review of the LEGO Star Wars September wave, today we’re taking a hands-on look at the new Coruscant Guard Gunship. This just-released set takes a classic Star Wars vehicle and gives it a unique color scheme complete with five new minifigures – all in a package with just a few too many compromises.

We’re now taking a look at the third new LEGO Star Wars set that debuted in September. Joining the two other Ashoka kits we’ve already taken a look at is a set themed around the titular character herself. The new LEGO Ahsoka Tano T-6 Jedi Shuttle arrives with a notable color scheme and even better figures, but it falls flat in a few key areas.

In our quest to review all of the new LEGO Star Wars sets for September 2023, today we’re taking a hands-on look at the just-released New Republic E-Wing vs. Shin Hati’s Starfighter. This kit may have a mouthful of a name, but stacks up to deliver a pair of very unique starfighters that are frankly a treat in the current Star Wars lineup.